Vasai Our Lady of Grace Cathedral – UNESCO Heritage Award
📅 Published 24 Feb 2026 · February 2026
Vasai Our Lady of Grace Cathedral – UNESCO Heritage Award
Award & Significance
475‑year‑old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra got UNESCO Asia‑Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025.
Only religious site from India recognised in this edition.
2025 Awards Overview
Four categories: Award of Distinction; Award of Merit; Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts; Special Recognition for Sustainable Development.
90 entries from 16 countries; 10 projects from China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Vanuatu honoured; highest Distinction awards went to projects in China and Japan; Nepal secured two Awards of Merit.
Exam Angles
GS‑I: art & culture, heritage conservation; role of UNESCO awards in incentivizing preservation.